Oklahoma City, OK – As the nation marks both Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Inauguration Day, we are reminded of the stark contrast between the progress Dr. King fought for and the reality facing millions of Americans today. Across red states like Oklahoma, extremist lawmakers are passing barbaric and inhumane laws that strip away fundamental rights and human dignity—laws that could soon spread nationwide under this new administration. The time for waiting, watching, and hoping for change is over. The fierce urgency of now demands a unified, national response.

From the criminalization of reproductive healthcare to attacks on LGBTQ+ rights, the suppression of voting power, the criminalization of homelessness, and the continued undermining of public education, Oklahoma has become a testing ground for policies designed to erode democracy and human rights. These are not isolated issues—they are warning signs for the entire country.

“We find ourselves on the razor's edge of history, and the time to act is now,” said Alicia Andrews, Chair of the Oklahoma Democratic Party. “The policies being pushed in Oklahoma today will be in Texas, Florida, and beyond tomorrow. And unless blue states step up in solidarity, we risk seeing these oppressive laws codified at the federal level.”

As we inaugurate a new president today, we call on Democratic leaders, progressive organizations, and engaged citizens in blue states to recognize that what happens in Oklahoma and other red states will not stay here. The Supreme Court’s dismantling of abortion rights started as a state-by-state battle. The same is happening now with book bans, voter suppression, and attacks on bodily autonomy. These fights are not regional—they are national.

What Can Be Done?
- Financial and Legal Support: We need justice-loving Democrats nationwide to invest in the legal challenges and grassroots infrastructure in red states to fight back effectively.

- Media & Messaging: We need national platforms to shine a light on the consequences of these radical policies—not just for Oklahomans, but for all Americans.

- Amplify Positive Legislation: Because darkness cannot drive out darkness, we must highlight positive policies and support those legislators who continue to pursue laws that aim to improve the lives of Americans everywhere.

History will remember who stood up and who stood by. Dr. King’s words in 1967 still ring true today:

“We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there is such a thing as being too late.”

If we do not act—if we do not push back together—then we will wake up to an America where the freedoms once taken for granted are gone. The best time to stand with Oklahoma and red states was a long time ago but the second best time is now.